Juneteenth 2021 Watsonville: Movie, Music, Paddle Out And More

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Santa Cruz's 30th annual Juneteenth celebration is coming up and organizers have a slew of activities in the works. Watsonville has a few of its own events in solidarity with the Santa Cruz Juneteenth extravaganza.

This year Juneteeth — or June 19 — falls on a Saturday, but local events to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States kick off this Sunday, June 13. "Liberation" is the theme of this year's celebration.

"Juneteenth is a special day for anyone who believes in freedom and equality for all people," organizers wrote on the Santa Cruz Juneteenth website.

And in nearby Santa Cruz, the Juneteenth festivities mark another important milestone: the Louden Nelson Community Center's first public event since closing down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Jack Sprow, an event organizer with Louden Nelson.

Want to join in the fun? Here's a peek at what's coming up and be sure to click the links for more details from organizers such as Santa Cruz Juneteenth.

Sunday, June 13

• Liberation Paddle Out, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cowell's Beach: Black Surf Club Santa Cruz will kick off the festivities with a paddle out themed "Liberation in the Outdoors."

Tuesday, June 15

• Murals Matter from Watsonville Film Festival, online: This film event showcases sociopolitical issues surrounding murals in Watsonville and Oakland. Online screenings for Watsonville-centric film "Painter of Dreams," directed by Gabriel J. Medina and Marcus Cisneros, shown here through June 18.

Thursday, June 17

• "Painter of Dreams"/Murals Matter Zoom event, 6 p.m. online: "Painter of Dreams" Directors Gabriel J. Medina and Marcus Cisneros will participate in a Q&A with muralist Guillermo "Yermo" Aranda and Spencer Wilkinson, director of "Alice Street," a film about Oakland murals.

Friday, June 18

• Murals Matter Pop-Up, 4 to 6 p.m. in Watsonville Plaza: In-person dialogues about the Murals Matter films will take place.

Saturday, June 19

• Liberation Hike, 8 a.m. at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Come prepared to hike and meditate in a circle with your fellow eventgoers. Bring something to sit on, pen or pencil, journal or paper, and meet at the Wilder Ranch parking lot.
• 30th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, 1 to 4 p.m. at Laurel Park: Music, poetry, dance, arts and crafts, basketball and a sack race will take place at this year's annual celebration. There will be soul food and performances from Lisa Taylor, the Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center, Lee Earl, Gregory Speed and more.
• Basketball Skills Challenge, 2 p.m. at Laurel Park: High schoolers and younger can compete in a basketball contest with prizes for all. There will be a three-point shoot-out, skills challenge and shot competition.

Know of any other local Juneteenth events? Email courtney.teague@patch.com and, if you are an organizer, submit the event to our calendar.